It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

Here are some common Myths about mental illness from Parenting with a mental illness:

• People who have a mental illness are just "crazy"
• Depression and other illnesses, such as anxiety disorders, do not affect children or adolescents.
• People with a severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, are usually dangerous and violent.
• Addiction is a lifestyle choice and shows a lack of willpower. People with a substance abuse problem are morally weak or "bad".
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), formerly known as "shock treatment," is painful and barbaric.
• People with mental illness are poor and/or less intelligent.
• Mental illness is caused by a personal weakness.
• Mental illness is a single, rare disorder.
• Mental illness only happens to people with a family history.
• Mental illness is the same as mental retardation.
• People with a mental illness are unable to function well.
• Depression and anxiety disorders are part of growing up.
• Mentally ill employees tend to be second-rate workers.
• Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) happens only after you fight in a war. That's why it's called shell shock.
• Depression is all in your head.
• Mental illness is the result of bad parenting.
• Schizophrenia means "split personality," and there is no way to control it.
• Mental illness does not strike the "average person."
• Mental illness is not a serious health problem today.
• Most people with a mental illness are receiving treatment.
• Mental illness is not like other "Physical" diseases.
• Most people who are mentally ill live in mental hospitals or on the streets.

Fact: Don’t be too quick to judge. Someone you knows suffers from a mental illness.